Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress NDC Peter Obi has said Nigeria would have been very rich if successive leaders had left public funds in banks to generate interest instead of mismanaging them.

Obi said this on Wednesday during a radio interview in Nasarawa State where he spoke on public finance management, accountability and his record as governor.

According to him, prudent management of government resources could have significantly improved the country financial position. He said I wish everybody in this country left money in the bank, they have interest. Nigeria would have been so rich that we dont know what to do with money.

The former governor disclosed that his administration kept public funds in three different banks as part of its approach to managing state resources.

He also said Nigeria is a criminalised place, noting that criminals will always come together to show what the honest person did. He added in Nigeria to be honest is to be a criminal, to be criminal is to be honest.

Obi explained that his administration did not prioritise elaborate ceremonies and television appearances for projects because they were executed with public money and the public could already see the work.

He also defended his record in basic education in Anambra, insisting that the state recorded exceptional performance during his tenure and that his achievements can be verified.

The statement has generated reactions on social media with many Nigerians commenting on his position on public funds management.